Physical hazards pressure vessels

Adsorbers, distillation colunuis, and packed lowers are more complicated vessels and as a result, the potential exists for more serious hazards. These vessels are subject to tlie same potential haz. uds discussed previously in relation to leaks, corrosion, and stress. However, llicse separation columns contain a wide variety of internals or separation devices. Adsorbers or strippers usually contain packing, packing supports, liquid distributors, hold-down plates, and weirs. Depending on tlie physical and chemical properties of the fluids being passed tlirough tlie tower, potential liazards may result if incompatible materials are used for llie internals. Reactivity with llie metals used may cause undesirable reactions, which may lead to elevated temperatures and pressures and, ullinialely, to vessel rupture. Distillation columns may contain internals such as sieve trays, bubble caps, and valve plates, wliicli are also in conlacl with tlie... 

This means "Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion" and characterizes the physical explosion of a liquefied gas/supercritical fluid that is brutally decompressed to atmospheric pressure, in case of pressure vessel rupture or opening. Catastrophic BLEVE occurred when liquefied petroleum gases vessels burst (Mexico, Feyzin,...), followed by the "chemical" explosion due to gas cloud inflammation. In fact, this hazard is directly linked to metal weakening in case of fire around the vessel(s). It is the reason why it is recommended to install fire detectors that could order immediate depressurization of the whole plant in case of fire. 

Consequence modeling is an analytical approach used to determine the possible physical effects resulting from the release of a hazardous substance. The inputs to this analysis include the physical, chemical, and toxicological characteristics of the hazardous substance and the characteristics of the system in which it is contained (e.g., pressurized vessel, pipe, reactor, bulk carrier container). 

However, if pressure vessels are used to store flammable or combustible liquids, 1910. 106(b)(l)(v)(b) mandates that Code pressure vessel construction requirements apply. However, due to the serious hazards employees may be subject to as a resrdt of the failure of pressure vessels used for oil and gas production processing proposes, an employer may be subject to Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act which requires employers to fixmish a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to their employees. 

Some toll processes lend themselves to test runs in the pre-startup phase. Actual materials for the toll may be used in the test or substitute materials, typically with low hazard potential, are often used to simulate the charging, reaction, and physical changes to be accomplished in the toll. Flow control, temperature control, pressure control, mixing and transferring efficiency can be measured. Mechanical integrity can be verified in regard to pumps, seals, vessels, heat exchangers, and safety devices. 

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